What is required for elections to be considered fair and free?

For elections to be deemed fair and free, transparency and equal opportunity are essential components. Transparency ensures that the electoral process is open and observable, allowing all stakeholders, including voters and independent observers, to see how votes are cast, counted, and reported. This helps to build trust in the integrity of the election.

Equal opportunity means that all candidates have a fair chance to compete for voters’ support, without favoritism or discrimination. It includes aspects like equal access to campaign resources, opportunities to present their platforms to the public, and a level playing field in media coverage. These elements are crucial for ensuring that voters can make informed choices among candidates.

In contrast, high voter turnout alone does not guarantee that an election is free and fair if other critical factors like transparency and competition are lacking. No competition among candidates undermines the democratic process, limiting voters' choices. Government control over media coverage can lead to biased information, restricting the public's access to diverse viewpoints and skewing the electoral process. Therefore, both transparency and equal opportunity serve as foundational principles for ensuring the democratic character of elections.